Manager's Message

Summer is here. School’s out, vacations are underway, and families are enjoying the season. While summer brings sunshine and time outdoors, it also brings the possibility of strong storms and power outages.

At Central Electric, we prepare year-round for whatever the weather may bring. This month’s Frequently Asked Question is: What does it take for the co-op to prepare for severe weather? The short answer is that preparation starts long before a storm forms.

One of the leading causes of outages is fallen trees or limbs coming into contact with power lines. That’s why our right-of-way maintenance program remains a top priority. By keeping trees and vegetation trimmed back, we help reduce the risk of outages before storms arrive.

We also plan and train for storm response. Our crews regularly review restoration procedures, inspect equipment, and ensure we’re ready to mobilize quickly when needed.

We recently shared more in Episode 9 of our podcast, Behind The Lines. In that episode, we talk about how we prepare for summer storms, what happens during an outage, and how members can stay safe and ready at home. Click HERE to listen or visit our website at CEMCpower.com/news/podcast.

Even with careful preparation, severe storms can still cause damage. When outages occur, our crews respond right away with a focus on restoring service safely and efficiently. Our restoration process prioritizes the largest outages first, including transmission lines and substations, before moving to neighborhood lines and individual service connections.

Sometimes, your neighbor’s power may be restored while yours is still out. This often means there is damage on a smaller line serving your location. Our crews always continue working until every member has service restored.

Our advanced metering system helps detect outages quickly, but your reports are still important. You can report an outage by calling 877-766-6769 or by texting “OUT” to 919-774-4900. You can also visit the Outage Center for outage maps and safety information. Staying informed can provide peace of mind, and we are committed to keeping you updated.

No one enjoys being without power, especially in the summer heat. When storms roll in, you can count on us to be ready. Our crews stand prepared, and our priority is always to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible.

Until next time,